Kazuki Conducts Bruckner 9. CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thursday 12 December 2024, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.

Kazuki Conducts Bruckner 9. CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thursday 12 December 2024,

5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.

“A very well crafted concert contrasting playful Mozart with more sombre Bruckner.”

Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 26

Bruckner – Symphony No. 9

Mozart and Bruckner share a commonality in that the music of both is characterized by an attention to form. But there is more that separates them. So, a concert that places their music side by side will inevitably be full of variety and contrast.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 26 is a remarkably lively and playful work, full of vigour and fun. Soloist, Martin Helmchen captured these characteristics brilliantly in his reading of the work. His playing is deliberate and precise; creating the impression that every note has been considered and weighed. But this deep and studied approach, far from heavy or ponderous in result, seemed to allow him freedom to create an interpretation that took flight. It filled Symphony Hall with an effortless sparkle and brilliance, and an almost improvisatory feeling of spontaneity.

The fact that he and conductor Kazuki Yamada are good friends and frequent collaborators was immediately apparent from the rapport between them. Orchestra and soloist shoehorned together perfectly. The players of the CBSO matched Helmchen in the fluidity and precision of their playing, and together delivered a performance which exuded joy and good humour. Really delightful.

Brukner’s final symphony, his ninth, is a much more serious work. Kazuki shaped the opening movement with great clarity, allowing the musical argument to unfold with an entirely engrossing and emotionally charged effect. Lush and glossy string playing created a cushion of sound over which loomed a commanding and authoritative brass boom. The woodwind was, as they so often they are, exceptional.

During the opening section of the central Scherzo, Kazuki threw caution and restraint to the wind. This allowed him to create marked contrast between the opening recurring and rumbunctious musical idea and the more elegant passages with which it is interspersed. Whilst not a subtle approach, it was certainly a well characterised one that really delivered in terms of impact.

The final movement, certainly not intended to be such by the composer; a fourth movement was planned, was played with great refinement and poignancy. Again, a gorgeous string tone provided a strong but flexible backbone, which allowed Kazuki to shape the narrative carefully and tellingly. Radio 3 listeners are in for a treat when this concert is broadcast.

Kazuki Yamada – Conductor

Martin Helmchen – Piano

Rita Castro Blanco – Assistant Conductor